How to decorate your home for Independence Day

When I think of the Fourth of July, I totally think of arts and crafts, like little wooden boats and cakes involving red, white, and blue frosting topped off with sparklers. I also think of beer cozies, and the time a coworker came in on July 5 and told me that everyone at her July 4 cookout had gotten sick from "the cheesburgas" (we were in Boston).

With such a wide swath of possibilities when it comes to visually imagining this holiday, I think it's best to take a unique approach. Instead of making a perfectly crafted and photo-perfect July 4 party, why not employ some cheap, fun, simple July 4 decor? Express your individuality. It is, after all, Independence Day. You're worth it.